Harry Parr

This is a book like no other, its devoted to a single pudding, the jelly ('jello'). There are striped ones, luminous ones, real 22 carat gold leaf ones, fizzy ones and strangest of all, all-black ones to serve at a funeral. But the most exciting jelly of all is a flaming one. I have to try it!

The book is a mixture of history, which isn't that fascinating and recipes, which are. They all involve leaf gelatine, no jelly cubes or jello powder, natural fruits and alcohol for flavouring and are very detailed and sometimes complicated. The photography is excellent and encouraging. Some of the recipes are easy enough and very impressive.

If there was ever a cookbook you didn't need, this is it, but ah, its a lovely and inspiring thing to own.

Recommended: a gift for the person who you don't know what to get. It's a real oooh and aaaah book at the pictures. Everyone likes sex or food or both. Giving sex gifts can be iffy, food - never.… (meer)